y; its battlements frowned in heavy
shadows overhead; its lofty towers and turrets seemed still able to
defy the assaults of time for ages yet to come.

For some time past the country had been growing steadily wilder and
less peopled, until here there seemed a virtual solitude. On reaching
the spot the party found a massive gate-way with a ponderous portal.
Beyond this opened the court-yard, and in the distance rose the keep.
Here lights shone, and the noise of revelry came to their ears.

And now the prisoners entered and were taken in charge by others, and
Ashby, who arrived about an hour afterward, was also taken to his
quarters.

CHAPTER VIII.

HOW THE SPANISH PRIEST MEETS WITH A STRANGE ADVENTURE.

The train, which had been released by the Carlists, went on its way,
and after running about ten miles, came to a little town. Here a long
stay was made, during which information was received of so serious a
character that it was resolved, for the present at least, not to go
any farther. In the first place, the train which had immediately
preceded had halted at the next station beyond, and this train could
not move until the other had started; but, in addition to this, there
came reports of all sorts, to the effect that the whole country was
swarming with Carlists, who had occupied the lines of railroad and
cut the telegraph wires. It was the latter circumstance that was most
troublesome, since it made it impossible to get any definite
information.

The end of it was, that the passengers had to shift for themselves,
and find shelter and occupation as best they could, until they should
be able to go on to their destinations: of which passengers only two
need be mentioned here, namely, Captain Lopez and the priest. The
former, having been thus rudely separated from Katie, had no object
in going any farther, and therefore was quite willing to remain in
this place. But it soon appeared that he had plenty to do. He at once
set forth to communicate with the civil and military authorities, in
the hope of obtaining assistance toward rescuing Katie from her
captivity; and such was his zeal and energy, that before long he had
received the most earnest promises of assistance and co-operation
from all to whom he applied. As for the priest aforesaid, he had a
different purpose, and that purpose did not lead him to make any
effort to procure lodgings. He refreshed himself with a repast at the
nearest hosteria, after